DNR: ATV safety team in Jackson County this weekend

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area.
Share photos from your outdoor adventures on Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association brought outdoor enthusiasts from across the state to the Dyracuse Recreational Area, Rome, on Friday Sept. 20, 2013 to learn about their sport and the area. (Photo: Casey Lake/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

The joy of the ride is in the eye of the beholder. While out for a ride, Julie Kramer and her husband enjoyed watching the camaraderie of fellow riders helping each other maneuver around this challenging, yet fun, section of the trail near Black River Falls. (Photo: Submitted by Julie Kramer)

Wisconisn ATV Association president and Trail Patrol Ambassador Randy Harden of Sheboygan patrols the Hidden Bear ATV Trail in Oconto County on his way to the Roger Steinbach trail dedication. (Photo: Contributed photo)

Jim Wisneski from the Hidden Bear Trail ATV Club of Mountain and members of the late Roger Steinbach family from Shiocton install a sign that dedicates the portion of the trail to Roger Steinbach. (Photo: Contributed photo)

Doug Johnson talks to Bill Kohlhagen about the Can Am UTV he drove on the trails at the Embarrass River ATV Park in Tigerton on September 30, 2011. Brian Otten/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com (Photo: Brian Otten/For Wisconsinoutdoorfun.com)

A "snowbulance" mounted on skis is pulled behind an ATV driven by Sgt. Dave Ritter of the Dane County Sheriff's Department at a news conference in Madison, Wis., Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, introducing the vehicle used for transporting accident victims from hard-to-reach sites. The vehicle was purchased with funds raised by the Dane County Council of Snowmobile Clubs. (Photo: AP Photo/State Journal, Craig Schreiner)

Snowmobilers and fourwheelers take advantage of the frozen Root River Sunday afternoon, January 16, 2011, to use their machines in Racine, Wis. Fresh snow, accompanied by wind, started to fall on southeastern Wisconsin Monday morning. (Photo: AP Photo/Journal Times, Gregory Shaver)

A student participant takes the practical exam as part of an ATV safety course in order to get their ATV licence at the Lena Swamp Archery Range in Oconto Falls on June 22, 2012. (Photo: Megan McCormick/Press-Gazette)

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Do you have weekend plans to ride your ATV or UTV in Jackson County? Here's a safety deal for you.

Make sure you stop by the Oasis at Black River Falls and see the DNR wardens for free engine sound checks, trail maps and more before you hit the fun trails.

DNR ATV safety administrator and warden Gary Eddy invites all ATV and UTV operators to come to the wardens' Recreational Safety Education and Enforcement Team trailer at the Oasis which is immediately off Highway 94 and Highway 54. You'll also see wardens on the ATV and UTV trails in Jackson County this weekend.

"Bring your questions, pick up trail maps," Eddy says. "And, if you're not sure your ATV or UTV exhaust system meets the legal requirements, wardens will inspect it for free on Saturday and Sunday."

Eddy says ATV and UTV operators can be so enthused to hit Wisconsin's fantastic trails that it is easy to bypass a quick review of the rules and regulations. "We will help you review these important safety laws at the trailer," he says. "Not following these laws can lead to crashes, conflicts and overall ruining the trip for you and others out on the trail."

Keep ATV sound to 96 decibels or less – for everyone's sake Not sure what the law is for sound? No worries. You can get your machine checked by the wardens before you start your riding on Saturday and Sunday.

ATV and UTV exhaust laws require that all machines have a functioning exhaust system equipped with a U.S. Forest Service spark arrestor – and it cannot emit a noise louder than 96 decibels.

"ATV and UTV enthusiasts riding the trails is a good thing for the Jackson County businesses and tourism," Eddy said. "However, irresponsible riding can hurt future efforts for more ATV and UTV trails and routes."

To be certain of your exhaust, the DNR warden team will be ready to check your ATV or UTV for no charge at the Black River Falls Oasis off of Highway 54 on Saturday and Sunday.

"This area receives a lot of ATV and UTV traffic and other riders really like seeing the extra patrol," Eddy said. "Anyone contacted on the trails with an illegal exhaust could be ticketed. That's why it's important for owners to visit the DNR's educational trailer first and get their exhaust tested for free and without fear of receiving a citation."

Eddy urged operators to make sure they review how to be in compliance with the rules. Here are some commonly violated laws:

Operating without valid registration

Illegal operation on or along a public highway/roadway

Operating without a helmet

Operating without a valid safety education certificate

Operating with an illegal exhaust

"Following the laws, operating at a reasonable speed, using recommended safety equipment and waiting to drink alcohol until after your ride is done are all ways to have a safe and enjoyable trip," Eddy says.

So, this weekend, get safety smart first -- then get busy having fun.

If you have information regarding natural resource violations, please call the violation hotline at 1-800-847-9367. The hotline is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained staff relay reported information to conservation wardens. Anyone who calls the Violation Hotline or provides information can remain anonymous.